HORNETSEmily writes: IN WONDERI've been doing some reading. They're not a protected species and this baffles me, considering how few places they are even known to survive in the UK. The moment they come near human habitation, they get exterminated. Apparently they are also quite rare - they are mostly restricted to southern England only. This one intrepid person who allowed them to keep their nest which was build in their house. Here, read their HAPPY WITH HORNETS story, please!http://www.bardwellvillage.info/content/view/463/29/

The website they mention is the only other one google found for me that is - it's a USA HAPPY WITH HORNETS one I think but refers to the same species: http://www.vespa-crabro.com/hornets.htm It seems myths have driven much of the fear and lore we know about hornets. What do we *actually* know about them? Very little it seems.

This web site says that things are looking up for the Hornet though - possibly thanks to people planting trees in garden/climate change maybe?http://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/hornetTom writes: IN WORRY ( WELL ACTUALLY A BIT FREAKED OUT) We recently had them nest in the roof right next to our bedroom window. Cold facts give way to fear when you see them constantly arriving near your window (which you can no longer leave open) to a nest only 4 feet away from your sleeping position.

We got the County Council man in to close down the nest. It was achieved very quickly and efficiently although he turned out to look more frightening than the hornets!